Starling Trail
Golden Reeds – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9160
Christmas Time
The build up to Christmas at Ham Wall and the starlings are still roosting in Waltons Heath. Before the birds arrived the reeds glowed in the last golden light of the evening.
By the time the starlings return the sun has set.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9211
Soon the sky was full of starlings arriving from the north east.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9222
Many of the birds chose to drop into the reeds of Loxtons Marsh. Not that the shoveller ducks were interesting in watching them.
Shovellers and Starlings – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9206
We all like to see patterns in the sky. With a lot of imagination this could be the Spirit of Ecstasy from the nose of a Rolls Royce car.
Spirit of Ecstasy – Starling Murmuration, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9196
Most of the birds decided to roost close to the Tor View hide and not far from the viewing platform.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9247
The next day the starlings returned to the same spot, flying in low and fast over the hide.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9387
Today, the birds arrived in a few huge flocks creating some wonderful patterns reflected in the still water.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9324
Occasional, they formed dense clouds of birds.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9305
I found myself alone in the Tor View hide as the starlings closed in around around me. Huge numbers of birds were only feet away. I could not believe I had this all to my self!
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9609
The flock spilled out of the reeds and flew at lightning speeds across to the reeds on the far side of the lagoon.
The next morning was calm and clear as I listened to the noise of the starlings getting louder and louder.
Ham Wall – Avalon Marshes, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9694
The starlings flew back and forth across the open water next to the hide.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9734
Suddenly, half the birds launched themselves into the sky.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9877
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9881
In seconds the sky was full of birds.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9890
In the afternoon, I returned to Ham Wall but stopped off near the village of Meare. Many of the fields were under water and Glastonbury looked like an island.
Flooding – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0057
I not sure if the speed limit is for boats or cars?
Caution 5mph – Flooding at Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0052
I did not stop just to see the floods. On each visit I had seen large numbers of starlings in the fields and on the telephone wires.
Is there room for one more – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JBA_1914
As the evening drew in starlings gathered in the fields around Ham Wall. I assume it is their last chance to feed before heading across to the roost.
Starlings – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID 800_8585
Another day and another huge flock flies across into Ham Wall.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0143
I have seen many sunsets at Ham Wall and this evening began to look promising after a day of thick clouds.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK.
The show was not as good today, and I headed back home after the last few birds arrived.
Starling Murmuration – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_0264
Happy Christmas.
